Post-Game Talk: MAKE THAT 10, AS HOT AS BO DEREK| #32| Flyers 4 at Avalanche 3 | Wed., Dec. 14, 2016

[renberg]

Schenn is doing most of his damage on the PP, as he has done this whole season.

On the PP, his slow foot speed isn't as much of a problem since usually he is only playing in the offensive zone. If there is a steal that goes in the other direction, he'll be the guy that's behind the play. Among other things, his lack of speed is what makes using him at center, unless its as a fill in, a no go.
This been going on since he got here. It isn't going to magically disappear. He is heavy footed compared to other NHL players. He could get away with his slowness in Junior since there aren't that many quick players per team as there is in the NHL. It would be nice if the fans accepted him for what he is- a wing- and stop with this Schenn at center movement.

 

[Juicy Pop]

It seems like the second assist credit on Schenn's goal was switched from Ghost to Leier. If that's the case it's his 1st NHL point.

 

[Curufinwe]

On the PP, his slow foot speed isn't as much of a problem since usually he is only playing in the offensive zone. If there is a steal that goes in the other direction, he'll be the guy that's behind the play. Among other things, his lack of speed is what makes using him at center, unless its as a fill in, a no go.
This been going on since he got here. It isn't going to magically disappear. He is heavy footed compared to other NHL players. He could get away with his slowness in Junior since there aren't that many quick players per team as there is in the NHL. It would be nice if the fans accepted him for what he is- a wing- and stop with this Schenn at center movement.

The fans don't decide where he plays.

 

[AaronTrieu]

I do what to talk about Ghost a bit if someone will entertain my thoughts. Ghost has a good game I think.
Hes not scoring at the clip he was last year, but he's defense seems a lot better now that he's doing what he does best at poke checks and being aggressive and picking off passes. His all around game depends on a bit of a chaos.

He's definitely not gambling at the blue line as much as last year. I have no stats to back that up. It's just from what I see in his play now. I can see he's being coached up a bit to focus more on defense than gambling on a pinch. I feel like last year he got very lucky that more pinches didn't go the other way.

 

[lancer247]

On the PP, his slow foot speed isn't as much of a problem since usually he is only playing in the offensive zone. If there is a steal that goes in the other direction, he'll be the guy that's behind the play. Among other things, his lack of speed is what makes using him at center, unless its as a fill in, a no go.
This been going on since he got here. It isn't going to magically disappear. He is heavy footed compared to other NHL players. He could get away with his slowness in Junior since there aren't that many quick players per team as there is in the NHL. It would be nice if the fans accepted him for what he is- a wing- and stop with this Schenn at center movement.

Being slow and heavy footed hasn't hampered Coots.

 

[Magua]

It's funny. I think Schenn has quicker feet and better edge-work than Couturier, but Couturier is actually a better skater in stride.

 

[Larry44]

I do what to talk about Ghost a bit if someone will entertain my thoughts. Ghost has a good game I think.
Hes not scoring at the clip he was last year, but he's defense seems a lot better now that he's doing what he does best at poke checks and being aggressive and picking off passes. His all around game depends on a bit of a chaos.

He's definitely not gambling at the blue line as much as last year. I have no stats to back that up. It's just from what I see in his play now. I can see he's being coached up a bit to focus more on defense than gambling on a pinch. I feel like last year he got very lucky that more pinches didn't go the other way.

Agreed. Ghost's PPQB and 3 on 3 play will keep him in the league. How well he plays D 5 on 5 will determine if he's a top 4 player long term or a specialty 5 after Sanheim, Morin and Myers get to the big club. I still like Hagg's chances too. What a group!

 

[FLYguy3911]

If Ghost isn't a top 4 D, they better hand us the trophy right now.

 

[Rebels57]

If Ghost isn't a top 4 D, they better hand us the trophy right now.

He could end up 5th in ES minutes if our other 3 prospects hit their ceilings.

 

[FLYguy3911]

He could end up 5th in ES minutes if our other 3 prospects hit their ceilings.

Like I said, if that happens, give us the trophy.

 

[Domino666]

If Ghost was 5th in ES minutes when the other kids get up with the big club, teams would be terrified

 

[Striiker]

It's super unlikely to have this many defensive prospects all become NHL players but I have a hard time seeing any of them not making the NHL.

 

[deadhead]

Some thoughts:

Weird streak, they should probably be 6-3-1 or so, they're really not blowing teams out, and close games even out over time. So while they're playing well, they're not playing 10 wins in a row well.

Luby is getting more confidence and looking more comfortable, but checking line is right for him this year, he didn't do much in Russia untnil last season and seems to be a late bloomer. A year in the weight room and just practicing and playing and I can see him breakout like Raffl. At times looks like a younger version.

Schenn can score, he really needs a solid center so he can play RW and do what he does best without having to worry his little head about all that other hockey stuff.

Ghost is not good defensively, poke checks are nice but sometimes you got to muscle people to get possession and clear the puck out of your zone. He plays smaller than his size (compare to say Kimmo). He's destined to a specialist role (PP and ES but not against top scoring lines).

 

[Tripod]

And yet Ghost played on the top pairing with MDZ last year while we were a playoff team.

 

[Captain Dave Poulin]

I do what to talk about Ghost a bit if someone will entertain my thoughts. Ghost has a good game I think.
Hes not scoring at the clip he was last year, but he's defense seems a lot better now that he's doing what he does best at poke checks and being aggressive and picking off passes. His all around game depends on a bit of a chaos.

He's definitely not gambling at the blue line as much as last year. I have no stats to back that up. It's just from what I see in his play now. I can see he's being coached up a bit to focus more on defense than gambling on a pinch. I feel like last year he got very lucky that more pinches didn't go the other way.

I think it's actually the opposite. To me, his entire game defensively is predicated on anticipation, which is based on his hockey IQ, which is off the charts. I would say I noticed it more last year, but he made countless smart plays with his stick and did a fairly good job (especially for a rookie) of anticipating where the play was heading before it got there. At times, I think he thinks too much, but that will disappear as his cerebral defending becomes more instinctual, which will come with more experience. His defending is still underrated around here in my opinion. We'll have to see how he does once he is paired with someone decent for a significant period of time, but I expect him to keep improving - I just feel like he is too clever not to. I used the word "clever" instead of "smart" because it implies that he is creative in problem-solving, which is a big strength.

 

[deadhead]

And yet Ghost played on the top pairing with MDZ last year while we were a playoff team.

Did you watch Ghost and MDZ do their best MacDonald?

 

[tymed]

It's super unlikely to have this many defensive prospects all become NHL players but I have a hard time seeing any of them not making the NHL.

This is how I begin every single rant on my friends about where this team is headin in a hurry.

 

[deadhead]

I think it's actually the opposite. To me, his entire game defensively is predicated on anticipation, which is based on his hockey IQ, which is off the charts. I would say I noticed it more last year, but he made countless smart plays with his stick and did a fairly good job (especially for a rookie) of anticipating where the play was heading before it got there. At times, I think he thinks too much, but that will disappear as his cerebral defending becomes more instinctual, which will come with more experience. His defending is still underrated around here in my opinion. We'll have to see how he does once he is paired with someone decent for a significant period of time, but I expect him to keep improving - I just feel like he is too clever not to. I used the word "clever" instead of "smart" because it implies that he is creative in problem-solving, which is a big strength.

I don't see that "off the chart Hockey IQ," Provorov yes, he makes plays at 19 that most veteran defensemen don't do at 29, subtle moves that seal off forwards from the play and allows him to garner puck possession. Giroux on offense, just a feel where everyone is and is going to be in a couple seconds.

To me Ghost is someone who spent his college career being faster and quicker than everyone around him (Sanheim the same in junior, which is why the AHL and a defensive role is so important to his development), and carried that over to the NHL. Worked great last year, less so this year where teams are pressuring him on the PP and challenging him on defense. He's still quicker than a lot of players, but is sloppy probably because he could get away with it at a lower level of competition. Too many bad turnovers for a top 4 defenseman.

 

[FLYguy3911]

You don't see a lot of things. How about this for hockey IQ, anticipation, and defense?

[NHL]2015020684-663-h[/NHL]
http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=2015020684-663-h

Provorov doesn't make that play in his dreams.

Best possession numbers + allowing the fewest shot attempts/60 on D = Not being good defensively + ability to get possession of the puck.

It's like an episode of Myth Busters every time you post.

 

[Lindberg]

Yeah I really don't get deadhead's arguments. Ghost is by far a lot more aggressive than the rest of the defense in the NZ and really tries to make plays happen there with his stick. From the past few games I've re-watched he seems to play just as physical as Provorov more or less.

I think Ghost has been playing really well. He almost had a point last night off a deflection. Manning really screwed up the play that results in a goal when Manning and Ghost was on the ice.

 

[Magua]

You just don't see Ghost attempt those plays anymore, even though ones like that are very rare. You could say he's playing better than ever 2-way, but plays like that are breathtaking in their intuition and reading of the play. Don't know if it was coached out or maybe the product of playing with AMac for half a season. It's why I'd love to see him with a partner equally brilliant. And that person is not MacDonald or Manning, though the latter is the better option. Soon maybe?

But anyone who questions his IQ or his defensive instincts simply doesn't watch the games.

 

[deadhead]

That was more about gambling than anything else, and that's about reliance on his quickness. Hockey IQ is more about reading plays and being in the right spot, this was more about gambling - if you're wrong you're out of position. He doesn't look as quick or fast this year, not a lot slower, just a half stride slower.

Provorov doesn't try to make plays like that, his game is all about positioning, anticipating the play, breaking it up by being at the right spot and taking away options and making it easier on his goaltender. Not as sexy, but quietly effective, which is why he leads Flyer D-men in minutes per game the last month or so. As Provorov gets more confident in what he sees, he'll take more chances, but always controlled chances.

Now Ghost with MDZ or MacDonald is not a good combo, he'd be best with Gudas or Morin or another physical D-man who'd protect him and CHA. In fact, he'd be fine with Provorov for that reason.

 

[Lindberg]

Wow....

I really have nothing to add.

 

[FLYguy3911]

Holy ****. If that's not an example of reading the play, I give up.

Provorov doesn't try to make plays like that because he knows he can't. There's only a handful of defensemen that can. Ghost has one of the best first steps in the league.

 

[Captain Dave Poulin]

Occam's Razor: deadhead watches hockey under the influence of mushrooms.